Pfizer to Acquire Two Meningitis Vaccines – Nimenrix and Mencevax From GSK

Pfizer Inc. has agreed two acquire meningitis vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline PLC for about $130 million, a move to expand its global reach in preventing meningococcal disease as reported .

New York-based Pfizer said it would buy Nimenrix and Mencevax, both single-dose meningococcal vaccines. Nimenrix, launched three years ago, is approved for sale in 61 countries outside of the U.S. Mencevax, approved in 79 countries outside of the U.S., is used to control outbreaks of meningococcal infection and for travellers to countries where the disease is endemic.

The acquisitions follow Pfizer’s purchase last year of Baxter International Inc.’s meningococcal disease vaccine NeisVac-C, as well as approval in the U.S. of its drug Trumenba to protect against erogroup B meningococcal disease in individuals 10 through 25 years of age.

About Nimenrix

Nimenrix (meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y conjugate vaccine) is a single dose meningococcal ACWY-TT (tetanus toxoid) conjugated vaccine designed to protect against Neisseria meningitidis, an uncommon but highly contagious disease that can lead to disability and death. Launched three years ago, it is indicated for all age groups above one year of age. Nimenrix is currently registered and approved for sale in 61 countries across the European Economic Area (EEA 30), Canada, Australia and Emerging Markets, with registrations under review in another 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

About Mencevax

Mencevax (meningococcal polysaccharide serogroups A, C, Y and W-135 vaccine) is a single-dose meningococcal ACWY unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine used to control outbreaks of meningococcal infection and for travelers to countries where the disease is endemic or highly epidemic. Mencevax is indicated for use across all age groups from two years of age, and is currently registered and approved in 79 countries across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and New Zealand.

Pfizer’s comment in acquiring Nimenrix and Mencevax

“The addition of Nimenrix and Mencevax is an important milestone for Pfizer Vaccines. Adding these two innovative and complementary vaccines to our current portfolio will allow us to more completely respond to meningococcal disease outbreaks as well as proactively address a critical public health need – the prevention of meningococcal disease across all ages,” said Susan Silbermann, President, Pfizer Vaccines. “Acquiring these quadrivalent vaccines will broaden our ability to address the burden of meningococcal meningitis – an uncommon but serious and sometimes fatal disease. This helps us to further fulfill our vision to protect lives with innovative vaccines to fight serious diseases worldwide and gives us even greater capability to meet the needs of the global community we serve.”